life goes on in words and pictures

If You’ve Nothing Worthwhile To Say, Say Nothing At All

Dizang asked Xiushan, “Where do you come from?”Xiushan said, “From the South.”Dizang said, “How is Buddhism in the South these days?”Xiushan said, “There is extensive discussion””Dizang said, “How can that compare to me here planting the fields and making rice to eat?”Xiushan said, “What can you do about the world?”Dizang said, “What do you call the world?”
— Book of Serenity

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Once a monk made a request of Joshu. / “I have just entered the monastery,” he said. / “Please give me instructions, Master.” / Joshu said, “Have you had your breakfast?” / “Yes, I have,” replied the monk / “Then,” said Joshu, “wash your bowls.” / The monk had an insight